Science Heritage Journal | Galeri Warisan Sains (GWS)

The accumulation of heavy metals in the environment, exacerbated by industrial, agricultural, military, and research activities, has emerged as a critical concern due to its adverse impacts on human health, ecological integrity, and the sustainability of natural resources. This accumulation, driven by factors such as negligence and the high costs of waste disposal, has resulted in extensive contamination of soil, surface water, and groundwater, creating severe environmental challenges. Among these, soil contamination by heavy metals is a critical issue requiring effective remediation strategies to ensure environmental health and ecological restoration. Phytoremediation, a green technology leveraging the inherent abilities of hyperaccumulator plants, has gained recognition as an effective strategy for addressing heavy metal pollution. It entails deploying plants to remove, degrade, or detoxify contaminants via processes including phytoextraction, phytostabilization, rhizofiltration, phytodegradation, and phytovolatilization. While traditional phytoremediation techniques offer potential, their scalability and efficacy are often limited. Advances in genetic engineering, nanoparticle augmentation, and the integration of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, phytohormones, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have significantly enhanced the effectiveness of phytoremediation strategies. This review examines the adverse biological impacts of heavy and their remediation through phytoremediation, focusing on both traditional and innovative approaches. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms, applications, and potential of phytoremediation technologies to transform environmental remediation practices, particularly in developing regions where these techniques remain underutilized. The findings highlight the need for further research and development to transition phytoremediation into a commercially viable solution for global environmental challenges.